What We Got Done in 2021!
Thank you for any ways that you've tuned in, supported, participated, shared, and in any other ways been involved in our mission to change the narrative for Black women and DV (domestic violence). We wanted to help you keep track of what we've been able to do with your collaboration, support, love, and new awareness this year...
2021 Achievement Milestones
Birth thru Ascension
Aired livestream to distribute our launch video for CFire LLC to explain in life story format:
What my story of DV is / how it’s similar to the story of many Black women
How I learned of my victimization
How I got myself and my girls out
How I leapfrogged into healing in an alternative, culturally-based, effective manner
How my experiences - the harm and the healing - birthed the work
How women in my shoes can receive help - in real time during the broadcast and after
Motivational Speaking
Broadened my recognition reach as a speaker:
MLK Breakfast Panelist
Communities of Color Anti-Violence Summit Keynote Speaker (Iowa CASA sponsored)
Panelist for 2021 National Joint Training Conference for VOCA Victim Assistance and Victim Compensation Administrators
Panelist for LadyLike PowHer Hour: Black Women Heal
Mainstream Bridgework
Formed new relationships to broaden reach of Black female anti-DV work with mainstream systems
Iowa CASA - COC Keynote Speaker
Iowa Department of Public Health - Collaboration to train centers of trust within Black communities and mainstream systems to spot and screen for DV
Safe & Together Institute
podcast
contributed to coercive control module to train organizations on the importance of prioritizing its impact on the victim-survivor and their family
Culturally-Responsive Provider Collaborations
Formed new relationships within Black communities and African communities to provide more culturally-responsive resources
Nisaa African Family Services: Crisis support for Black women DV victims
Union of Black America: Free lock changing service
Unnamed community: Hidden location now houses a Community Safe Space™
Electronic Hub w/Culturally-Responsive Tools
Built 1st resource hub housing culturally-responsive tools for Black women dealing w/DV: Tools for Us: Culturally-Responsive section
Published Magazine Author
Established Black female DV survivor voice in a major player in the Black news community - monthly articles in Urban Experience Magazine (Dec 2021 Article):
Identifying lesser-known types of DV through the Black female experience in storytelling format
DVAM - spotlight on abuse reparations concept
Created Subscription for Survivors
Launched a subscription-based resource for survivors to know what to do in the first 30 days and beyond - Beyond the Abuse
Empowerment through the Arts™
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Conducted virtual 1:1 pilots to meet needs during social distancing or serving women out of state
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Established it as successful at 1-year post treatment mark in:
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Helping survivors remain out of DV cycles
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Helping them recognize and avoid predatory relationships in other areas - work, family, friends, religious
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Empowering them to set/maintain healthy boundaries in all relationships
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Empowering them to more regularly approach settings prioritizing the importance of their own wellbeing
Facebook Live Show Update
Moved #PrepTalks to #OurTalks and hosted three (3) shows:
Our Talks: DMPS and Black Leadership - introducing one of DSM’s largest employers to our audience to provide #access
Our Talks: What About Abuse Reparations? - interviewing 2 Black women survivors/entrepreneurs to help our audience understand how to make abuse pay you back
Our Talks: Beautiful Gift - interviewing 1 Black woman survivor/activist in anti-violence work to learn how her experience translates to her superpower in the movement
Community DV Awareness Training in Centers of Trust
Hosted an entire month of DV Awareness training in the community within leadership of centers of trust. Trained and provided reference material for spotting a possible perpetrator through traits &/or behavior, spotting the physiological signs in a possible victim, and screening possible victims using H.A.R.K. Hosted 12 organizations, Black and mainstream, across 2 states:
United Way
Central Iowa Works
Home Inc.
Hawthorn Hill
Oakridge
Established 1st Community Safe Space™
An unnamed location has stepped forward and now houses our 1st confidential place in Des Moines where Black female DV victims can do safety planning! We provided the resources, they are providing the untraceable digital tools and physical cloak so Black women do not have to risk our safety to get to safety.
Our Nonprofit
Opened nonprofit branch of Black female anti-DV movement we began with Courageous Fire, LLC, to house and create holistic services for DV survivor and her family long term: Courageous Access
Created a way for you to give your tax-deductible gift to change the narrative: Donate
Courageous Access' 1st Official Action
In collaboration with Nancy Mwirotsi and Pi515, we delivered a total of $525 in grocery gift cards to Black women DV survivors who we have worked with